KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The City of Keene has officially launched its “Vision Keene 20-Forward” report, marking the beginning of a comprehensive master planning process designed to steer sustainable, inclusive, and economically-vibrant growth over the next two decades. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and data-driven decision-making, with an aim to transform the city’s future through carefully outlined goals.

The initial phase of the project involved extensive outreach to residents and stakeholders, gathering insights to identify key objectives related to housing, economic resilience, mobility, and environmental sustainability. Central to this vision is a commitment to increasing affordable housing options, fostering local business development, enhancing transportation networks, and prioritizing climate resilience through innovative green infrastructure.

Key findings from the 2024 Community Snapshot Report highlighted several important trends. Although Keene’s overall population of 23,000 has remained relatively stable over the past 30 years, the percentage of students at Keene State College has declined from 24 percent in 2010 to 14 percent in 2022. Despite this, the city’s households are earning more on average, adjusted for inflation, and educational attainment has risen significantly.

Housing emerged as a focal point in the report, with the city actively implementing strategies from its 2023 Housing Needs Assessment. While the population is projected to experience slight growth followed by a decline over the next 30 years, there are opportunities to attract new residents, especially given expected growth in New Hampshire’s southeastern region.

According to the report, Keene is home to approximately 1,370 businesses, providing over 17,000 jobs and serving as the densest employment cluster in Cheshire County, accounting for more than half of the county’s jobs. The city’s economy shows positive indicators, including healthy unemployment and labor force participation rates, contributing to a high livability index compared to national averages.

The first phase of “Vision Keene 20-Forward” also included a two-day scenario-planning workshop, or Think-Tank, held in late May. This event brought together around 80 participants from various sectors, including business, education, government, and community organizations, to collaboratively envision the city’s future and identify potential actions for sustainable growth.

As the planning process moves into its next phase, a series of discussion boards and virtual meetings will be held to develop strategic pillars for the Comprehensive Master Plan. By early 2025, a prioritization survey will confirm and prioritize actionable strategies, ultimately leading to the adoption of a final Comprehensive Master Plan document by mid-2025.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the “Vision Keene 20-Forward” initiative, the full report and the Community Snapshot Report can be accessed here: